Looking to save on bills? Well, look no further than your air fryer.

Soaring air fryer sales can be attributed to them being more energy-efficient and cost-effective alternatives to ovens.

Running costs are significantly lower as they heat up quicker and cook food faster, so the overall cooking time of food is slashed.

For maximum results and to reduce energy usage, it is important to keep the device clean and not overcrowd the basket. 

Ashleigh Tosh, the frugal expert from MuscleFood.com, said: “As more look to save on energy amid the cost-of-living crisis, Brits are ditching the energy-guzzling ovens in exchange for the air fryer. 

“Those planning to make the switch from oven to air fryer may be surprised to know there are some best practices which should be followed to get the most out of the kitchen appliances and stop extra household costs.

“Avoid opening compartments when anything is cooking as it will waste energy and make sure to clean after every use to reduce excess energy usage.”

Six ways to get the most out of the air fryer and save money:

Keep compartments shut

Avoid opening the compartment any more than necessary to avoid letting out heat and wasting energy. Always ensure the compartments are closed securely to ensure efficient and safe cooking results.

Don’t overcrowd 

It is important to leave room between items so hot air has enough space to flow and cook food properly. If it is overcrowded, the food may not cook evenly, and it will throw off cooking times. 

Clean

Cleaning up the air fryer after cooking is essential because a dirty device will take longer to heat up and use more energy, as well as reducing ultimate performance.

Recommended reading: 

I tried making air fryer pancakes and it was a huge fail

Aldi to launch air fryer £110 cheaper than similar models

Food and other items that should never go in your Air Fryer

Preheat

There’s a debate surrounding if air fryers need to be preheated, and while it isn’t always necessary, it does help with getting the signature crispiness the devices are famous for. Luckily air fryers take just a short time to preheat faster than ovens, usually just a couple of minutes, which saves time and energy.

Line basket

Prevent food sticking and building up by using a silicone liner, foil, or parchment paper to make the clean-up easier. A dirty air fryer will increase energy consumption, so preventing build-up and taking steps to make it easier to clean is important.

Invest in a thermometer

Air fryers can cook food in a much quicker time than the oven, so thermometers can be useful in getting timings right and stopping unnecessary cooking times, while still ensuring food safety.